Are you dreaming of a new life abroad and wondering if it’s possible to move to Europe without a job? Living in Europe is an attractive endeavor, but before you take the leap, you have to consider how will you make a living or obtain a visa if you don’t have a job secured beforehand.
While it may seem difficult, there are several ways that you can move to Europe without a job at the ready: as a student, as a freelancer, as a remote worker, as a volunteer, as a visitor, or with a home swap program.
In this article, we’ll cover six common methods to make your dream of living overseas come true when you don’t have an existing offer for employment in your country of destination.
1. Enroll in a university program
Enrolling in a university program as a student is one potential scenario for those looking to relocate, live and work in Europe without securing a job in advance. Participating in an undergraduate or graduate program in a European country may give you the opportunity to acquire theoretical skills and knowledge, as well as gain first-hand access to European cultural experiences.
Studying in a European college is also an amazing opportunity to learn the language in the country of your choice, which can be an essential skill if you decide to apply for a job in your adoptive country after graduation. Moreover, in some countries, a student visa allows you to work part-time during your enrollment.
Those hoping to move and reside permanently should be aware that not all degrees guarantee visas or enable participants to remain within their respective countries after graduation. Here are the documents you will be required to submit if you wish to enroll in a university program in Europe:
- Cover letter outlining the motivation for studying the particular program
- Detailed resume or CV
- Copy of previous academic degrees and transcripts
- Evidence of English language proficiency, such as IELTS/ TOEFL scores
- Photocopy of identification documents such as a valid passport
- Academic references (optional)
- Additional information required to meet program-specific requirements
Enrolling in a university program can be the most feasible alternative for those lacking work prospects and facing clearance issues upon arrival. Depending on the status, individuals may have various funding options available such as scholarships and bursaries that can cover the cost of tuition or even living expenses.
Upon successful completion of courses, graduates may sharpen their existing knowledge which should give them an edge when attempting to apply for work-related positions. As such, enrolling in college programs within Europe can be an effective solution when seeking further professional development and remaining legally in the European country of your choice.
2. Work as a freelancer remotely
Working as a freelancer remotely is a great way to move to Europe without a job as it allows you to work from any location. By taking advantage of modern technologies and the new digital economy, freelancers and digital nomads can provide services and take on projects around the globe in a variety of fields, such as web design, IT and software development, copywriting, translation writing/editing, social media management, or online consulting.
The growing number of remote freelance platforms means that anyone who has professional qualifications will be able to find suitable opportunities and make more money than they would by taking a traditional job. Not only is it easy to set up as a freelancer, but the cost of living in Europe can usually be offset against any earnings made from international clients seeking skilled professionals who speak multiple languages or possess specialist knowledge.
There are complex rules surrounding visas depending on an individual’s country of origin. It’s best to investigate the options thoroughly and be familiar with local laws to make sure you can stay in Europe legally if this plan is your chosen method for making a life abroad.
That being said, freelancing from another country has become more popular as it allows individuals to have complete flexibility over their working hours and does not require any investment other than time away from home.
3. Find a job in your country first that can be done remotely
Before taking any drastic steps such as selling all possessions or quitting your current job in search of an opportunity abroad, you should consider establishing yourself professionally at home first by finding a form of employment that allows for remote work. Working remotely from overseas for a US company opens up far more opportunities than attempting to find suitable employment in a foreign country.
To begin, ask yourself what skills are in demand that can easily be conducted online. Suitable roles encompass customer service, virtual assistant, software and web development/design, copywriting, or data entry roles. Online job listings sites provide accessible platforms to find these types of opportunities on a global level. Establishing your remote career at home before heading abroad is the perfect first step for anyone wanting to move to Europe or elsewhere overseas without a job already secured.
If you run your own business online, finding clients from your own country before venturing overseas indicates sustainable demand for these skills on foreign soil when searching for new projects in the local area once fully relocated.
You will have already developed relationships with possible employers or those who may even be prepared to offer online-based work while living abroad. This is invaluable to any traveler who is considering life changes such as moving to Europe.
4. Go as a visitor while living off of your savings
Needless to say, living off your savings in one or more foreign countries is an option, but not an ideal situation. You will have to be frugal and keep a close watch over your expenses. That being said, certain visas do allow visitors from abroad to travel throughout Europe at relatively lower costs. If you’re moving within the European Union, it includes 27 European countries which allow visitors to enter and live in their territories for up to 90 days without a visa.
Furthermore, you can also explore the option of getting your residence permit extended by applying for a special long-term visa. As needed, living off the money you have saved is certainly feasible but requires careful research on various local initiatives such as affordable housing or transportation options which might end up saving more money. You just have to do some research and choose a location with a low cost of living as your home base in Europe.
5. Join a volunteering abroad program
Volunteering abroad is a great way to not only get international experience, but it’s also a viable option for moving to Europe without having a job. Volunteer programs place individuals in various countries to help out and provide the necessary aid.
When partaking in one such program, you will be able to interact with locals as well as gain invaluable skills that can help your future career prospects. Depending on the project or organization you choose, some positions may require certain qualifications while others don’t require any specific qualifications.
Another great benefit of volunteering abroad is that many programs include food and accommodation arrangements in their package, making it a sustainable way for those without an established job to stay in Europe for extended periods.
Furthermore, living costs may be at a minimum as you will usually work with or alongside locals who can provide insight into the most cost-effective items and activities in the region. Plus, if you choose wisely, you may even have cultural exchange opportunities or language classes provided to you at no additional cost.
Finally, although the overall experience is expected to be challenging and life-changing in many ways, it can also provide invaluable skills for those wanting a successful career overseas or back home. Whether it’s team-building capacities, fieldwork training, communication faculties, or conflict resolution understanding, volunteering abroad can add considerable competencies which will more than likely help your exploits later on down the road.
6. Visit on a tourist visa and use a home swap service
A tourist visa is one of the most popular choices for long-term stays in European countries because it allows US citizens to enter and remain in their destination for up to 90 days at once. This means that visitors have time enough for starting anew or working on their new lives. In addition, it’s worth considering a home swap service to provide accommodation for longer periods and save on expenses.
This type of residence provides a cost-effective opportunity to live in another country, as you get a place to live in exchange for caring for the home and, in some cases, the pets that live there. Plus, some swappers may even be able to offer helpful information or contacts that could help with finding work or integrating into the culture and people of your chosen locale. Also, if you consider the how expensive housing can be in some European countries, you’ll realize how helpful a home swap service is.
For instance, some countries may have affordable rents, but renting an apartment can still be a challenging and expensive endeavor for budget travelers. That’s why home-swapping services are often considered great alternatives due to their flexibility and convenience. Plus, if you do decide on this option, you won’t have to worry about not having any employment yet, since you won’t have to pay rent.
What type of jobs can you find in Europe as a foreigner? Here are some examples of the most popular jobs for English speaking expats in France, Italy, Portugal, Croatia and Slovenia.
